Spanish “Caribbean Pattern” Bilbo Broadsword, ca. 1750

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$1,595.00

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This unique pattern sword originated in the New World when quality sword blades were imported from Germany and Spain and mounted locally. Blade making required great skill and the secrets were closely guarded by the guilds, but the hilts could be made by local blacksmiths. Therefore the blades are European imports, but the simple, sometimes crude hilts were made locally throughout the New World. They were widely used by Spanish soldiers and sailors and their shorter blades made them especially well suited for use on board ship in tighter quarters. They were also a favorite weapon of pirates. They were used from the mid-17th C until at least the end of the 18th C and varied little over that period. This example showing better workmanship than most, but still retaining the style. Evenly constructed hemispherical cup with simple line decor to edge; straight quillons with button finials; knucklebow joining quillons to the narrow button pommel, decorated with incised diagonal lines. Simple wood grip (never had wrap) with ferrules top and bottom. Longer than normal broad double-edged 32 ½" blade with mid-length central fuller, stamped “HVM” at the short ricasso. Very good condition with dark brown age patina and several shallow blade nicks. Overall length 38 1/4". Never been apart.